(30-Dec) — Jerry Schumacher, who quietly turned the Nike-sponsored
Bowerman Track Club into one of best middle and long distance training
groups in the world, has been voted the FloTrack American Distance Coach
of the Year for 2016. The award, sponsored by T-Mobile and presented
for the first time, includes a $10,000 cash prize.

“For the last decade, we’ve seen up close what a struggle it can be to
compete at the highest level of track,” said FloSports co-founder and
COO, Mark Floreani, through a statement. “Many professional track
coaches don’t have the sponsorships or deals in place where they can
devote one hundred percent of their time to their athletes. Our goal
with this award is to help deserving coaches continue to pursue their
passion and work with the top distance runners in the U.S.”

Schumacher, 46, who previously coached at the University of Wisconsin,
topped a distinguished field of candidates which included Alberto
Salazar of the Nike Oregon Project, Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs
of the University of Colorado, Ray Treacy of Providence College, Lee
LaBadie of the University of Akron, Drew Wartenburg of the NorCal
Distance Project, and Dan Browne of the Army World Class Athlete
Program. Schumacher was selected based on votes cast by both fans and a
panel of national media members.

During his 2016 campaign, Schumacher coached seven athletes to Olympic
team berths, all of whom finished in the top-11 of their events. Key
achievements by his athletes included an IAAF World Indoor Championships
3000m silver medal for Ryan Hill, a fifth consecutive national title
and Olympic silver medal by steeplechaser Evan Jager, a one-two finish
at the USA Olympic Trials Marathon by Amy Cragg and Shalane Flanagan,
and second and third place finishes at the USA Olympic Trials for
steeplechasers Courtney Frerichs and Colleen Quigley.

The self-deprecating Schumacher credited his entire team for the award.

“I’m very appreciative, but it’s not just me,” Schumacher said. “The
face of the coach of the year award is really the Bowerman Track Club
organization and all of the coaches, staff, athletes, and personnel that
make the whole thing go round. That’s really who wins this whole
thing.”

PHOTO: Bowerman Track Club coach Jerry Schumacher in New York City after
the 2015 NYRR Millrose Games